News

May 02, 2023
Event Tech Live (ETL), which was founded 10 years ago and has been held annually in London ever since, made a successful debut in the U.S. April 26-27 with Event Tech Live Las Vegas, held at The Expo at World Market Center. With a mix of the latest technology from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond, in addition to a wealth of interesting sessions, Event Tech Live Las Vegas was a big hit, according to Adam Parry, co-founder of ETL. “Getting Event Tech Live to Las Vegas and seeing the fantastic reaction to it is beyond brilliant,” Parry said. “It’s a big team effort, and I thank every… more
May 01, 2023
It can’t be easy trying to fill the shoes of a longtime, widely respected industry veteran who held your new role for more than four decades. But that’s exactly what Mac Campbell, the new executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center (BCC), has been attempting to do since taking the helm in January 2023. Campbell replaced the legendary Peggy Daidakis, the first female director of a major U.S. convention center, who retired last fall after 44 years with the BCC. In 1979, Daidakis helped open the BBC, Maryland’s largest convention venue, ran it from 1986 to 2022, and was instrumental… more
Apr 28, 2023
Multilingual meeting technology and services provider Interprefy unveiled Interprefy Aivia, the world’s first advanced automated speech translation service for online and live events, at Event Tech Live, which was held April 26-27 in Las Vegas. Aivia utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to pick up and translate speech in real-time, and is the first of its kind solution to be made available to the public, bringing accurate audio and captions to global audiences at the touch of a button. The solution will be available in 24 languages and regional accents initially, with many more to come in… more
Apr 27, 2023
Global live event leader Freeman recently acquired Denver-based Impact Point Group, a technology-focused, boutique consultancy firm offering a full suite of strategic advisory and event management services. A nationally certified women-owned business, Impact Point Group’s client roster boasts market-leading tech brands, including Cisco, Atlassian and DocuSign, to name a few. According to Adam Charles, executive vice president of Freeman’s Agency, the acquisition comes as Freeman continues to invest in growth opportunities for its agency business. “Impact Point Group brings a proven strategy… more
Apr 25, 2023
What’s trending in the consumer space that can be adapted for trade shows and exhibits? Colorful, blacklit fabrics are being used for all kinds of consumer activations — from DJ shows and concerts to festivals and awards galas. These eye-catching backdrops and canopies allow event organizers to make an impression with a customizable product that is more sustainable and less expensive than some other graphic options, such as foam core, vinyl and other signage materials.  We talked to Glowtronics, a custom dye sublimation printer that got its start in the DJ industry but has since expanded to… more
Apr 24, 2023
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, buffets were a staple feature at most corporate meetings and events. But during the pandemic, this versatile, practical and popular meal option was basically eliminated due to health and safety concerns, as buffets typically involve guests handling shared utensils and serving dishes, thus potentially increasing the risk of virus transmission. To minimize this risk and keep both employees and guests safe, many hotels and event venues temporarily eliminated self-serve buffets and replaced them with alternatives such as plated or pre-packaged meals, or… more
Apr 21, 2023
IMEX Group has long been at the forefront of championing important industry topics such as mental health and well-being, sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), all of which it has become a model for with its two annual shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, as well as numerous other initiatives throughout the year. We checked in with Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, to get her thoughts and insights on these pertinent industry topics, as well as the group’s 2023 Talking Point: “Human Nature,” which embraces all of them. Every year, the Talking Point provides a framework for… more
Apr 20, 2023
The Association of Event Venues (AEV) unveiled a new technology partnership with Momentus Technologies, formerly Ungerboeck, for 2023. Under the alliance, Momentus, a global leader in venue and event management software, will have the ability to participate in working group meetings, in particular the cross-association Technology working group, and AEV Event Managers and Finance groups. The agreement also includes sponsorship of the AEV Annual Conference. Momentus will provide members with the opportunity to give feedback to help the company improve upon and grow its event management… more
Apr 19, 2023
At a time when the meetings and events industry is becoming increasingly focused on green initiatives and conservation, with sustainability now a top priority for many event groups, a number of large U.S. convention centers are accelerating the adoption and development of sustainable practices to lessen their environmental impact and that of the events they host. Case in point: the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., which has been consistently and continuously working to pioneer stewardship that models how large venues can contribute to safer, more efficient environments… more
Apr 17, 2023
Across the country, event-related organizations are tapping new leadership and expanding their teams. Take a look! Visit Spokane Visit Spokane has tapped Rose Noble as its new president and CEO, effective May 15. She is currently finishing out a five-year tenure as president and CEO of Galena Country Tourism in Galena, Ill., where she has worked for more than seven years, previously as interim director and prior to that as director of marketing.  Bringing a wealth of marketing strategy and event planning experience to her new role with Visit Spokane, Noble was an active Illinois Council of… more
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las more